Effects of different fissure sealant applications on laser fluorescence measurements

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of using only phosphoric acid or a self-etch bonding agent under clear and opaque fissure sealants on laser fluorescence (LF) readings and the reproducibility of the laser device.

Methods: Eighty extracted permanent molars, ranged from sound to carious, were randomly divided into four groups: phosphoric acid + opaque sealant (group I), Clearfil S3 Bond (Kuraray, Kurashiki, Japan) + opaque sealant (group II), phosphoric acid + clear sealant (group III), and Clearfil S3 Bond + clear sealant (group IV). The teeth were measured using an LFpen device, before and after sealing. Data were analysed using the Spearman's correlation, Wilcoxon signed rank, and Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results: Except group IV, there was a statistically significant decrease in fluorescence after the application of sealants (P < 0.05). The decrease of LFpen readings in the opaque sealant groups was more significant than the clear sealant groups (P < 0.05). But for both sealants, the difference between phosphoric acid and Clearfil S3 Bond groups was nonsignificant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: There was a statistically significant decrease in fluorescence for both clear and opaque sealant groups. However, clear sealant with Clearfil S3 Bond does not influence the LFpen readings.